From Potato Computer to EU Superstar

Photo: composed by GewdGame, source images by Riot Games and G2 Esports.

There are two things most gamers have in common: wishing they didn’t have to play on a potato at some point in their lives, and dreaming of playing their favourite games professionally. Mihael “Mikyx” Mehle is one of the few gamers in the world who can say both those wishes have come true — he has been in pro esports since 2016, when he debuted his career with Splyce after spending a season on Fnatic’s sub bench. Now, after a season in the role of Misfits Gaming’s support, Mikyx is now moving on to join G2 Esports in the upcoming season.

How did you decide to start playing League of Legends? Have you always played support?

I had the game recommended to me by a few friends from school. I used to play ADC and mid before season 4, but then slowly began playing more Thresh and other supports. Eventually, I swapped to support because everyone wanted to play mid back when you didn't get assigned roles in soloQ.

Who’s your favorite champion and why?

My favorite champion is Gragas, because you can do so many cool plays with him and he’s versatile — you can play him in every role. I also really like Rakan and Pyke for support.

What’s the story behind the “Mikyx Potato Computer”?

When I started playing League, I was playing on around 10–30 fps so I would only play 3v3 map so it wouldn’t lag as much. Eventually, I got a new PC and I managed to get to around 60 fps, but it was still quite bad so my screen would freeze for 5 seconds from time to time, mostly around when I hit Level 2 in botlane. In high elo, I became sort of known for the 5 minute loading screens and dying at Level 2 because of my screen freezing issue.

Who is your idol and who do you look up to as a player?

At the beginning it used to be Mithy, since I talked to him a lot about the game and he taught me so much about competitive League of Legends. After I played at Worlds in 2016 I became a big fan of GorillA, Mata and Meiko.

It’s great that you mentioned GorillA, one of the best support players in the world, who has now transferred to the European team, Misfits Gaming. How do you feel about playing against a legend like that every week?

I’m really happy because I haven’t been able to play or talk to him since 2016, but now I’ll be able to do it on a daily basis, so that’s pretty cool.

Kang “GorillA” Beom-hyun. Photo: Riot Games

This year, roster swaps have been some of the most interesting we have seen so far. Teams are finally getting completed. Who do you predict will take home the title of 1st LEC Champion and who has the best line-up in the world right now?

G2 aaaand G2.

Do you like franchising or did you prefer the old system?

I think I prefer having relegations so there is more pressure for teams in lower positions and more rewarding for challenger teams that want to make it in.

There have been some stories about your anime adventures in different teams. Is letting you watch anime part of your contract with the team?

I don’t need it in the contract, I just force it myself. Sometimes I also get my teammates to watch something as well.

So what’s your favorite anime?

You were very hyped to play with Maxlore in Misfits, but now a new chapter commences in G2 with probably the strongest line-up they could make from European talent. What is this year’s goal for you with the team?

To win everything we participate in, including Worlds.

As G2 is the third team you are going to play for, do you think you have the best chances with them to make it in the European league and then Worlds?

Yes, I have learned a lot from different people in the past 3 years so I'm sure this time, I'm going to make it far.

PerkZ is moving to bot lane. Do you feel like he can match up to other ADCs and will the “Balkan connection” be good for the team’s communication and play style?

I think by the end of Summer, he can surely become the best AD in the European region, as weird as that sounds. I don’t think the “Balkan connection” means much in terms of communication, since we talk in English most of the time anyway, even though I can understand most of what he says in Croatian.

GewdGame is an esports talent marketplace and matching platform helping competitive gamers to build up their skills and manage their teams. Find and hire great teams, players or coaches using our marketplace — or just find a practice match partner!